This morning (Sunday), families of hostages and members of the October Council protst movement launched a nationwide protest dubbed the "Day of Disruption," calling for a halt to daily life and the economy to pressure the government into securing the release of hostages and ending the ongoing war.
Demonstrations are taking place at around 400 locations across Israel, including outside the homes of ministers and Knesset members. Major roads have been blocked, including Route 1 toward Jerusalem and the Ra’anana Junction. Hundreds of vehicles have also left from Latrun in a convoy in an attempt to stop the war.
Noam Peri, whose father Chaim was killed in Hamas captivity, criticized the government’s inaction: "My father could have come home in a deal, but 'political circumstances' got in the way. The Prime Minister could still present a comprehensive agreement with public backing—but instead, he chooses to continue the war. This is a death sentence for the hostages still trapped in tunnels. I won’t accept more families ending up like mine."
Reut Edri, whose son Ido was killed while saving others from the Supernova festival, urged citizens to take action: "My Ido gave his life to save others. Today, I ask every Israeli to stop everything and fight for the return of the hostages, the rescue of our soldiers, and the future of our state."
Lishay Miran Lavi, the wife of Omri Miran, pledged to continue the fight: "This day is only the beginning. We promise Omri, Nimrod, Matan—and all hostages and their families—that we will not stop. We draw strength from public support and will keep escalating the struggle until they all come home. We have no other choice."
Anat Angerst, mother of hostage Matan, said the protest marked a collective turning point: "Today, the country hits the emergency brake. We stopped everything to save the lives of 50 hostages and soldiers and to uphold the sanctity of life. The whole nation stands behind them."